Lake Elmo EDA approves Urban Land Institute TAP to study 180-acre settlement parcel

The Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority voted to accept a proposal from the Urban Land Institute to conduct a technical assistance panel (TAP) to study roughly 180 acres tied to the city’s settlement, approving the longer, deeper TAP option at the EDA meeting. The motion to accept the TAP and proceed with the extended option carried with no opposition.

The TAP will give Lake Elmo a multi‑day, cross‑sector panel of ULI volunteers to visit the site, interview stakeholders, and produce detailed recommendations about land use, phasing and revenue potential. Megan Flanagan, the ULI presenter, described two options: a day‑and‑a‑half TAP with four to six local panelists, a roughly 30‑page summary and an estimated cost of about $17,500 plus meals; and a longer TAP with an extra work day, additional panelists (including out‑of‑market experts if needed), a more in‑depth 50‑page report and an estimated cost of about $35,000.

Flanagan said stakeholders are identified by a steering committee that includes ULI panel chairs and the…